1. Unit 2 Computer Systems
Operating Systems
Windows MAC & Linux

2. Operating Systems Operating System
This is a item of software that runs as the PC starts and effectively
manages the whole system – programs, data, screen, printer and
all other hardware connected.
Without the operating system you would have to talk to
each system item in machine langauge.
Windows MAC and Linux
These are all general purpose Operating Systems aimed at
both the business and Home user

3. Operating System
The user goes “through” the
operating systems to the hardware.
User
Many hardware devices
(Printers, Cameras, etc.) need
“Drivers” to help the OS.
Operating System
Driver
Each driver translates Operating
System instructions into
its own hardware-specific commands.
Hardware

4. Popular Operating Systems
MAC OS X
Apple Graphic User Interface
Windows
Microsoft Graphic User Interface
Linux
Free OS.
“Opensource”

5. MAC OS X
Included with all new Apple
Macintosh computer systems.
Originally designed as an
easy-to-use, low-cost computer
for the average user.
Mostly used in the media
(television/entertainment /newspaper)
for its superior graphics and sound capabilities.
Less prone to virus and hacker attack.
Snow Leopard is the latest version.

6. Windows
Microsoft Operating System.
Dominates the market -90% of all personal computers
Originally designed to match the
Apple Mac Graphical User Interface
Used in business as well as at home.
Often criticised as “incomplete”
and more prone to virus and
hacker attack.
There is much more software
available for windows than Mac;
and it is much cheaper.

7. Linux
It is a free operating system.
It is arguably as reliable as Windows or Mac.
And less prone to virus attack.
Several versions available:
• Ubuntu
• Fedora
• OpenSuse
There are many software applications
that are also free:
OpenOffice, …. …..
Linux could challenge both Microsoft & Apple in the future

8. Comparison Linux MAC OS X Windows Relatively new Operating System
The original Graphic
User Interface
Business &
Home use
Superior Graphic and
Media capabilities
Improving Graphics
& Sound
Smaller range of
third-party software
is available
Large range of
third-party software
is available
Good range of FREE
third-party software
is available